Prime Minister promises action after MP raises campaign to bring home South Shields woman who suffered 'devastating' brain aneurysm in Gran Canaria

Danielle Sheriff, known as Dani, moved to the Spanish island a decade ago.

In September 2020, after feeling unwell for a number of weeks, the 34-year-old collapsed having suffered a brain aneurysm.

Dani's condition continued to deteriorate in hospital, despite several operations and attempts to keep her alive. But shortly before her 34th birthday on Christmas Day, Dani's condition improved slightly.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck raised the plight of Dani and her family at Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament on March 24.

The MP said: “Danielle remains deeply unwell and her family are crowdfunding to bring her back home to live.

“They have been advised that when she does return home, she won't be eligible for the treatment that she needs on the NHS.

“Please can the Prime Minister support the crowdfund for Dani, and give his personal assurance that she will receive the care that she needs from our NHS.”

Boris Johnson replied: “I thank (Ms Lewell-Buck) very much for raising the case. My deepest sympathies are with Danielle and her family and we'll make sure that the relevant health minister meets (Ms Lewell-Buck) to discuss the case as fast as possible.”

So far, a Go Fund Me Page set up for Dani and her family at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/n56qts-danis-fight has raised almost £2,900.

A post today on the page reads: “Thank you to everyone who has asked how Dani is recently.

"Dani remains extremely poorly in hospital in Gran Canaria. Ronnie, her dad, has came back to England to work whilst Julia, her mam, remains by her side.

"We are hoping that Dani will be well enough by early next year to begin her journey home. Obviously this will be an extremely costly process and any help our family receive will be gratefully received.”

When the page first launched, supporters announced they were taking on a virtual challenge to raise money by completing the 2,375 miles distance from South Shields to Maspalomas in Gran Canaria by running, cycling, swimming, logging the miles using social fitness app Strava.

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